Hooked pipe coupling segment

ABSTRACT

A pipe coupling segment includes an arcuate body portion defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first axial side, and a second axial side opposite the first axial side; a hook extending from the first end of the arcuate body portion, wherein the hook defines a shank portion and a bend portion, the shank portion extending in a substantially radially outward direction from the arcuate body portion and the bend portion extending in a substantially axial direction from the shank portion, the bend portion defining an upper engagement surface, the upper engagement surface defining a sloped portion angled rearwardly towards the shank portion; and a fastener lug extending from the second end of the arcuate body portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/146,204, filed Sep. 28, 2018, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to pipe couplings. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to a pipe coupling comprising a pair of hookedcoupling segments.

BACKGROUND

Pipe couplings are used to secure a first pipe element to a second pipeelement. Examples of pipe elements can include pipes, nipples, valves,elbows, caps, and the like. Typically, a pipe coupling comprises a pairof coupling segments defining a first end, a second end, and a centralsection therebetween. A gasket is commonly held between the couplingsegments. The first ends of the coupling segments can be securedtogether by a first fastener and the second ends of the couplingsegments can be secured together by a second fastener. The first andsecond fasteners often are bolts and nuts.

It can be difficult and time-consuming for a single worker to assemblethe pipe coupling with the first and second pipe elements. The workercommonly must manipulate the pair of unconnected or loosely connectedcoupling segments into alignment around the pipe elements and thegasket, and must retain the unconnected (or, in some aspects, looselyconnected) segments in alignment and the gasket in sealing engagementwith the pipes while fastening the first ends together and thenfastening the second ends together. In some instances, multiple workersare needed for assembling the pipe coupling to the pipe elements,potentially resulting in increased labor costs. Furthermore, thefasteners can comprise small pieces, which can easily be lost ordropped, especially when attempting to handle multiple fasteners. Also,the requirement of multiple fasteners can increase the cost of thecoupling in material costs and by requiring more complex assembly duringmanufacture.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is coupling segment comprising an arcuate central portiondefining a first end, a second end, a first axial side, and a secondaxial side; a first end portion defining a shank and a bend, the shankextending from the first end of the arcuate central portion proximatethe first axial side, the bend extending from the shank towards thesecond axial side, the bend defining a proximal end coupled to the shankand a distal end distal from the shank, the bend defining an engagementsurface and a bottom surface opposite the engagement surface, the bottomsurface lying in a plane, wherein the bottom surface faces away from thecoupling segment such that the plane does not intersect the couplingsegment; and a second end portion extending from the second end of thearcuate central portion, the second end portion defining an opening.

Also disclosed is a pipe coupling comprising a first coupling segmentdefining a first arcuate portion, the first arcuate portion defining afirst rear axial side and a first front axial side, a first shankextending from the first arcuate portion proximate the first rear axialside, a first bend extending from the first shank in a direction towardsthe first front axial side, the first bend defining a first engagementsurface and a first bottom surface; and a second coupling segmentdefining a second arcuate portion, the second arcuate portion defining asecond rear axial side and a second front axial side, a second shankextending from the second arcuate portion proximate the second rearaxial side, a second bend extending from the second shank in a directiontowards the second front axial side, the second bend defining a secondengagement surface and a second bottom surface; wherein the first bottomsurface faces away from the second coupling segment and the secondbottom surface faces away from the first coupling segment, and whereinthe first engagement surface engages the second engagement surface.

Also disclosed is a method for assembly a pipe coupling, the methodcomprising providing a first coupling segment, the first couplingsegment defining a first arcuate portion, the first arcuate portiondefining a first rear axial side and a first front axial side, a firstshank extending from the first arcuate portion proximate the first rearaxial side, a first bend extending from the first shank in a directiontowards the first front axial side, the first bend defining a firstengagement surface; providing a second coupling segment, the secondcoupling segment defining a second arcuate portion, the second arcuateportion defining a second rear axial side and a second front axial side,a second shank extending from the second arcuate portion proximate thesecond rear axial side, a second bend extending from the second shank ina direction towards the second front axial side, the second benddefining a second engagement surface; engaging the first engagementsurface with the second engagement surface; facing the first bottomsurface away from the second coupling segment and facing the secondbottom surface away from the first coupling segment; inserting afastener through a first fastener opening of the first coupling segmentand a second fastener opening of the second coupling segment; andtightening the fastener to secure the first coupling segment to thesecond coupling segment.

Also disclosed is a pipe coupling segment comprising an arcuate bodyportion defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, afirst axial side, and a second axial side opposite the first axial side;a hook extending from the first end of the arcuate body portion, whereinthe hook defines a shank portion and a bend portion, the shank portionextending in a substantially radially outward direction from the arcuatebody portion and the bend portion extending in a substantially axialdirection from the shank portion, the bend portion defining an upperengagement surface, the upper engagement surface defining a slopedportion angled rearwardly towards the shank portion; and a fastener lugextending from the second end of the arcuate body portion.

Also disclosed is a pipe coupling segment comprising an arcuate bodyportion defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, afirst axial side, and a second axial side opposite the first axial side;a hook extending from the first end of the arcuate body portion, whereinthe hook defines a shank portion and a bend portion, the shank portionextending in a substantially radially outward direction from the arcuatebody portion and the bend portion extending in a substantially axialdirection from the shank portion; a stabilizer rib extending in asubstantially radially outward direction from the first end, thestabilizer rib formed monolithically with a bottom side of the hook andconfigured to support the hook under stress, wherein the bend portion ofthe hook is disposed radially outward of the stabilizer rib; and afastener lug extending from the second end of the arcuate body portion.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a pipe coupling comprising a pair ofcoupling segments in accordance with one aspect of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of one of the pair of couplingsegments of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is bottom perspective view of the coupling segment of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a front view of the coupling segment of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a side view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 1 facing first endsof the pair of coupling segments.

FIG. 7 is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the pipe coupling of FIG.1 with a first pipe element and a second pipe element.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the coupling segment in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the coupling segment of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a pipe coupling in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe coupling comprising apair of the coupling segments of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 10 facing first endsof the pair of coupling segments.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the coupling segment in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a pipe coupling in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe coupling comprising apair of the coupling segments of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a side view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 13 facing first endsof the pair of coupling segments.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the coupling segment according toanother aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the pipe coupling according toanother aspect of the present disclosure, the pipe coupling comprising apair of the coupling segments of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is a top view of the pipe coupling of FIG. 16 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a pipe coupling and associatedmethods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of thepipe coupling can comprise a pair of coupling segments. It would beunderstood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed pipe couplingis described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particularterminology or description should be considered limiting on thedisclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a coupling segment 100 according to a first aspectthe present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of the couplingsegments 100 a,b can be coupled together to form a pipe coupling 110. Inother aspects, the pipe coupling 110 can comprise additional couplingsegments 100. For example, the coupling segments 100 can be in thirds,wherein three coupling segments 100 are provided, in fourths, whereinfour coupling segments 100 are provided, or another other number ofcoupling segments 100 can be provided.

Example aspects of the pipe coupling 110 can define a first axial side114 and an opposing second axial side 516 (second axial side 516 shownin FIG. 5 ). The pipe coupling 110 further can define a coupling void118 extending through the coupling 110 from the first axial side 114 tothe second axial side 516. An axis 120 can be defined through a centerof the coupling void 118, as shown. (Axis 120 is going into the page inFIG. 1 .) Furthermore, the pipe coupling 110 can comprise a gasket 122positioned within the void 118. In example aspects, each of the pair ofcoupling segments 100 a,b forming the pipe coupling 110 can besubstantially similar to each other. The pipe coupling 110 can beconfigured to engage a first pipe element 702 (shown in FIG. 7 ) and asecond pipe element 706 (shown in FIG. 7 ) to couple the first pipeelement 702 to the second pipe element 706. Examples of pipe elementscan be pipes, nipples, valves, caps, elbows, tees, and any other pipeelements known in the art.

Further, the pipe coupling 110 can be selectively adjustable between arelaxed configuration and a tightened configuration. In the relaxedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 1 , the pair of pipe segments 100 a,bcan be coupled together by a fastener 124, with the fastener 124 in aloosened state and the gasket 122 uncompressed. In other aspects, thefastener 124 can be removed in the relaxed configuration. In thetightened configuration, the fastener 124 can be in a tightened stateand the gasket 122 can be compressed. The relaxed and tightenedconfigurations of the pipe coupling 110 will be described in furtherdetail below, with reference to FIGS. 5-7 . Example aspects of thefastener 124 can be generally mushroom-shaped and can define adome-shaped 125 head end and a cylindrical tail end 126 extendingtherefrom. A portion of the tail end 126 can comprise threading. Thefastener 124 can also comprise a threaded nut 128 having threadingcomplementary to the threading of the threaded tail end 126.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various views of the coupling segment 100. FIGS. 2and 3 illustrate top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of thecoupling segment 100, and FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of thecoupling segment 100. As shown, the coupling segment 100 can define afirst end portion 230, an opposing second end portion 232, and a centralportion 234 between the first and second end bodies 230,232. Exampleaspects of the central portion 234 can define a generally arcuatesemi-circular shape, as shown. The coupling segment 100 can furtherdefine an outer surface 236 and an inner surface 338 (shown in FIG. 3 ).As best seen in FIG. 3 , the inner surface 338 of the central portion234 can define a generally semi-cylindrical inner wall 340. The innerwall 340 may or may not be aligned with the axis 120 in some aspects.Moreover, the coupling segment 100 can define a first axial side 242 anda second axial side 244, with the central portion 234 extending from thefirst axial side 242 to the second axial side 244. According to exampleaspects, the coupling segment 100 can be formed from a metal material,such as steel or cast iron, including ductile iron in some aspects. Inother aspects, the coupling segment 100 can be formed from any material,or a combination of materials, that are known in the art, including butnot limited to metal, plastic, resin, synthetic materials, and fibers.

Example aspects of the coupling segment 100 can comprise a generallysemi-circular first ridge 246 extending radially inward from the centralportion 234, relative to the axis 120, at the first axial side 242. Thecoupling segment 100 can also comprise a generally semi-circular secondridge 348 extending radially inward from the central portion 234,relative to the axis 120, at the second axial side 244. According toexample aspects, and as will be described in further detail below, thefirst ridge 246 can be configured to engage a groove 704 (shown in FIG.7 ) of the first pipe element 702 (shown in FIG. 7 ), and the secondridge 348 can be configured to engage a groove 708 (shown in FIG. 7 ) ofthe second pipe element 706 (shown in FIG. 7 ) to couple the first pipeelement 702 to the second pipe element 706.

According to example aspects, the first end portion 230 of the couplingsegment 100 can comprise a hook 250 extending from a first end 235 a ofthe central portion 234. Example aspects of the hook 250 can besubstantially L-shaped, and can comprise a shank 252 extending radiallyoutward from the central portion 234, relative to the axis 120 (shown inFIGS. 1 and 4 ), at or near the second axial side 244. The hook 250further can comprise a bend 254 extending from an end of the shank 252distal to the central portion 234. The bend 254 can be oriented at anangle relative to the shank 252. For example, as shown in the depictedaspect, the bend 254 can be oriented substantially orthogonal to theshank 252. In other aspects, however, the angle of the bend 254 relativeto the shank 252 can be greater or less than 90°. In example aspects, asshown, the bend 254 can extend axially from the shank 252 towards thefirst axial side 242 of the coupling segment 100. That is to say, thebend 254 can extend from the shank 252 substantially in the direction ofaxis 120. However, in other aspects, the bend 254 can extend in adirection different from the direction of axis 120. As shown, exampleaspects of the shank 252 and bend 254 can be monolithically formed, andexample aspects of the shank 252 and central portion 234 can bemonolithically formed. In other aspects, the shank 252 can be separatelyformed from one or both of the bend 254 and central portion 234, and canbe coupled to the bend 254 and/or central by a fastener, such as, forexample, welding, an adhesive, screws, or any other suitable fastenerknown in the art. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the coupling segment100 can define a contact surface 350 at the first end 235 a of thecentral portion 234 proximate to the hook 250.

In some example aspects, the hook 250 can further comprise a rib 260 forreinforcing the shank 252 relative to the central portion 234 and thebend 254 relative to the shank 252. The rib 260 can extend radiallyoutward from the central portion 234, as shown. In example aspects, therib 260 can extend along and adjoin a portion of an inner surface 253 ofthe shank 252. Furthermore, the rib 260 can adjoin and terminate at aninner surface 355 of the bend 254. Example aspects of the rib 260 candefine a sloped upper surface 261, such that a height of the rib 260 cantaper from the central portion 234 to the bend 254. Moreover, exampleaspects of the rib 260 can be monolithically formed with the hook 250and the central portion 234, as shown. In other aspects, however, therib 260 can be separately formed from one or both of the hook 250 andthe central portion 234, and can be attached to the hook 250 and/orcentral portion 234 by a fastener, such as, for example, welding, anadhesive, screws, or any other suitable known fastener in the art.

Example aspects of the hook 250 can define an inner corner edge 362(shown in FIG. 3 ) at the intersection of the rib 260 and the bend 254.The inner corner edge 362 can be filleted in some aspects, as shown. Inother aspects, the inner corner edge 362 can be chamfered or can be asharp edge. In some aspects, the angle formed at the inner corner edge362 can be an about right angle, as shown. In other aspects, the angleformed at the inner corner edge 362 can be an obtuse angle or an acuteangle.

In example aspects, such as the aspect depicted in FIGS. 1-7 , the bend254 can define a substantially planar engagement surface 256. As shown,the engagement surface 256 can be oriented at an obtuse angle relativeto the inner surface 253 of the shank 252. In other aspects, the angleformed between the inner surface 253 of the shank 252 and the engagementsurface 256 can be acute or can be a right angle. The engagement surface256 can face upward, relative to the orientation shown in FIG. 4 , andcan be substantially co-planar with the axis 120. For example, theengagement surface 256 and axis 120 can lie in a plane 421, as shown inFIG. 4 . (Plane 421 extends into the page.) The bend 254 can furtherdefine a hook end surface 258 extending generally downward and away fromthe engagement surface 256 at a distal end 257 of the bend 254, relativeto the orientations shown in FIG. 4 . Example aspects of the hook endsurface 258 can be oriented at an acute angle relative to the engagementsurface 256 in some aspects. In other aspects, the hook end surface 258can extend from the engagement surface 236 at a right or obtuse angle.

Example aspects of the second end portion 232 of the coupling segment100 can define a fastener lug 264 extending radially outward from asecond end 235 b of the central portion 234. The second end 235 b of thecentral portion 234 can be opposite the first end 235 a of the centralportion 234. The fastener lug 264 can, in example aspects, define afront side 266 and a rear side 268. The front and rear sides 266,268 ofthe fastener lug 264 can taper towards one another away from the centralportion 234 and can terminate at an arcuate distal end 270. In exampleaspects, the fastener lug 264 can define a fastener opening 272extending from a top surface 274 of the fastener lug 264 to a bottomsurface 376 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the fastener lug 264.

Example aspects of the second end portion 232 further can define a ledge331 (shown in FIG. 3 ) extending from the bottom surface 376 of thefastener lug 264 adjacent the second end 235 b of the central portion234. Thus, example aspects of the ledge 331 can extend in a generallydownward direction from the fastener lug 264, relative to theorientation shown in FIG. 4 . As shown, the ledge 331 can be orientedabout orthogonal to the fastener lug 264. In other aspects, the ledge331 can be oriented at a different angle relative to the fastener lug264. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , some example aspects of the ledge331 can define a ramped ledge surface 333 distal from the fastener lug264. Other example expects of the coupling segment 100 may not definethe ledge 331.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 , a pair of the coupling segments 100 a,b can beprovided to form the pipe coupling 110. As noted above, in otheraspects, the pipe coupling 110 can comprise additional coupling segments100, as desired by a manufacturer of the pipe coupling 110. As shown,the first coupling segment 100 a can align with and engage the secondcoupling segment 100 b. To align and engage the first and secondcoupling segments 100 a,b, the bend 254 of the second coupling segment100 b can be slid over the bend 254 of the first coupling segment 100 a,relative to the orientation shown in FIG. 6 , such that the engagementsurfaces 256 of the bends 254 can be aligned and in facing contact. Asshown, the engagement surface 256 of the second coupling segment 100 bcan rest on and lie parallel with the engagement surface 256 of thefirst coupling segment 100 a. The abutment of the engagement surfaces256 can prohibit rotational movement of the first coupling segment 100 arelative to the second coupling segment 100 b in the direction X.

Additionally, in some aspects, the hook end surface 258 of the firstcoupling segment 100 a, or a portion thereof, can contact the innersurface 253 of the shank 252 of the second coupling segment 100 b. Forexample, as shown, a lower edge 258 a of the hook end surface 258 canabut a lower edge 253 a of the inner surface 253 of the shank 252.Similarly, the hook end surface 258 of the second coupling segment 100b, or a portion thereof, can contact the inner surface 253 of the shank252 of the first coupling segment 100 a. In example aspects, the innersurfaces 253 of the shanks 252 can serve as stops to properly locate thefirst coupling segment 100 a relative to the second coupling segment 100b and to prohibit further lateral movement of the first coupling segment100 a relative to the second coupling segment 100 b in the direction Y.

Furthermore, the fastener lug 264 of the first coupling segment 100 acan be slid over the fastener lug 264 of the second coupling segment 100b, such that the fastener openings 272 of the fastener lugs 264 arealigned. With the hooks 250 in alignment and the fastener lugs 264 inalignment, the first axial sides 242 of the coupling segments 100 a,bcan be aligned and the second axial sides 244 of the coupling segments100 a,b can be aligned. The first axial sides 242 can define the firstaxial side 114 of the pipe coupling 110, and the second axial sides 244can define the second axial side 516 of the pipe coupling 110.

The semi-cylindrical inner walls 340 of the coupling segments 100 a,bcan together define the void 118. According to example aspects, thegasket 122 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 ) can be positioned within the void118 of the pipe coupling 110 between the first and second ridges 246,348of the coupling segments 100 a,b. Example aspects of the gasket 122 canbe formed from a rubber material, or any other suitable material knownin art, including, but not limited to, silicone, cork, and neoprene.

The fastener 124 can be provided to secure the coupling segments 100 a,btogether. In example aspects, as shown, the fastener 124 can be a trackbolt. In other aspects, the fastener 124 can be a clip, rivet, snap,adhesive, weld, screw, or any other suitable fastener known in the art.The tail end 126 of the fastener 124 can extend through the fasteneropenings 272 of the fastener lugs 264, with the head end 125 of thefastener 124 abutting the top surface 274 of the fastener lug 264 of thefirst coupling segment 100 a. The threaded nut 128 can be threaded withthe tail end 126 of the fastener 124 and can be tightened against thetop surface 274 of the fastener lug 264 of the second coupling segment100 b. Example aspects of the fastener 124 and nut 128 can be formedfrom any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, suchas steel, and plastic.

In a relaxed configuration (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the pipe coupling 110,the nut 128 can be loosened on the tail end 126 of the fastener 124, andthe coupling segment 100 a can remain coupled to the coupling segment100 b. With the coupling segments 100 a,b coupled together in therelaxed configuration, the gasket 122 can be retained within the void118 between first ridges 246 and second ridges 348 of the couplingsegments 100 a,b. The interference of the first and second ridges246,348 with the gasket 122 can also prohibit axial movement of thecoupling segments 100 a,b. Furthermore, in example aspects, the gasket122 can bias the coupling segments 100 a,b apart in the relaxedconfiguration to apply a preload tension to the hooks 250 by pressingthe opposing engagement surfaces 256 together and to allow a largeenough void 118 to receive the first and second pipe elements 702, 706(shown in FIG. 7 ) during installation. Furthermore, in the relaxedconfiguration, the ledges 331 of the second end bodies 232 of thecoupling segments 100 a,b can be spaced apart.

In the tightened configuration (shown in FIG. 5 ), the nut 128 can betightened on the tail end 126 of the fastener 124, bringing the ledges331 closer together, and in some aspects, bringing the ramped surfaces333 of the ledges 331 into contact with one another. Furthermore, insome aspects, the ramped surfaces 333 can be pressed against one anotherin the tightened configuration. Moreover, in the tightenedconfiguration, the contact surfaces 350 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of thecoupling segments 100 a,b can be pressed against one another to reducestress on the adjacent hooks 250. Deformation of the couplings segments100 a,b around the pipe elements 702,706 may occur in some aspects, andmay not occur in other aspects.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the pipe coupling110 with the first pipe element 702 and second pipe element 706, also incross-section. In example aspects, an end 703 of the first pipe element702 can be received within the void 118 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 )adjacent the first axial side 114 of the pipe coupling 110, and an end707 of the second pipe element 706 can be received within the void 118adjacent the second axial side 516 of the pipe coupling 110. The groove704 formed in the first pipe element 702 can define a generally annulargroove extending inward from an outer surface 705 of the first pipeelement 702. The groove 704 of the first pipe element 702 can be engagedby the first ridges 246 of the coupling segments 100 a,b. Similarly, thegroove 708 of the second pipe element 706 can be engaged by the secondridges 348 of the coupling segments 100 a,b. The engagement of the firstridges 246 and second ridges 348 with the grooves 704,708, respectively,can retain the pipe coupling 110 on the corresponding ends 703,707 ofthe first and second pipe elements 702,706, respectively. Furthermore,in example aspects, the gasket 122 can be configured to engage the ends703,707 of the first and second pipe elements 702,706, respectively, tocreate an improved grip on the first and second pipe elements 702,706and to create a leak-proof seal preventing fluid in the first and secondpipe elements 702,706 from leaking at the pipe coupling 110.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 , a method of attaching the pipe coupling 110 tothe first and second pipe elements 702,706 can comprise aligning thecoupling segments 100 a,b around the ends 703,707 of the first andsecond pipe elements 702,706. The engagement surfaces 256 of the hooks250 of the coupling segments 100 a,b can be aligned and in facingcontact with one another, and the first ridges 246 and second ridges 348can be aligned with the grooves 704,704 of the first and second pipeelements 702,706, respectively. The fastener lugs 264 can be aligned,and the tail end 126 of the fastener 124 can be received through thefastener openings 272. The nut 128 of the fastener 124 can be tightenedto engage the first and second ridges 246,348 with the grooves 704,708of the first and second pipe elements 702,706, and to compress thegasket 122 between the coupling segments 100 a,b to engage the gasket122 with the ends 703,707 of the pipe elements 702,706. In exampleaspects, compressing the gasket 122 can comprise moving the ledges 331of the second end bodies 232 closer together, and in some aspects cancomprise pressing the ramped surfaces 333 of the ledges 331 against oneanother. The engagement between the gasket 122 and the ends 703,707 ofthe first and second pipe elements 702,706 and the engagement of thefirst and second ridges 246,348 with the grooves 704,708 of the pipeelements 702,706 can prohibit removal of the ends 703,707 of the pipeelements 702,706 from the pipe coupling 110.

In other aspects, a method of attaching the pipe coupling 110 to thefirst and second pipe elements 702,704 can comprise aligning thecoupling segments 100 a,b around the end 703 of the first pipe element702. The pipe coupling 110 can be retained on the end 703 of the firstpipe element 702 while the coupling 110 is in the relaxed configuration.For example, in the relaxed configuration, the first ridges 246 caninterfere with the groove 704 of the first pipe element 702 and/or thegasket 122 can interfere with the end 703 of the first pipe element 702to retain the coupling 110 on the first pipe element 702. The end 707 ofthe second pipe element 706 can then be inserted into the void 118 ofthe pipe coupling 110 at the second axial side 516 of the coupling, withthe coupling 110 still in the relaxed configuration. The pipe coupling110 can be secured to the second pipe element 706 by the tightening ofthe fastener 124, such that the coupling 110 is in the tightenedconfiguration, with the second ridges 348 engaging the groove 708 of thesecond pipe element 706. Example aspects of the gasket 122 can alsoengage the end 707 of the second pipe element 706 in the tightenedconfiguration.

In still other aspects, the coupling segments 100 a,b can be coupledtogether in the relaxed configuration, with the fastener 124 in aloosened state, and the coupling 110 can be installed on the first andsecond pipe elements 702,706 by a method similar to the installationmethod described in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/117,835. For example,the end 703 of the first pipe element 702 can be inserted into the void118 of the pipe coupling 110 at the first axial side 114 of the coupling110, and the coupling 110 can be forced onto the first pipe element 702.In some aspects, the entire coupling 110 can be forced past the groove704 of the first pipe element 702. In other aspects, at least the firstridges 246 of the coupling segments 100 a,b can be forced past thegroove 704. The end 707 of the second pipe element 706 can then bealigned in a facing relationship with the end 703 of the first pipeelement 702, with the end 707 of the second pipe element 706 oriented atthe second axial side 516 of the coupling 110. The coupling 110 can thenbe slid partially onto the second pipe element 706, such that the firstridges 246 are aligned with the groove 704 of the first pipe element 702and the second ridges 348 are aligned with the groove 708 of the secondpipe element 706. The fastener 124 can be tightened to engage the firstand second ridges 246,348 with the grooves 704,708 of the first andsecond pipe elements 702,706, respectively, to retain the coupling 110on the ends 703,707 of the pipe elements 702,706 in the tightenedconfiguration. In example aspects, the gasket 122 can also engage theends 703,707 of the pipe elements 702,706 when compressed in thetightened configuration.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate another aspect of the coupling segment 100 andanother aspect of the pipe coupling 110 comprising a pair of thecoupling segments 100 a,b, in accordance with the present disclosure. Asshown, in the present aspect, the coupling segment 100 can comprise aprojection 880 extending from the engagement surface 256 of the bend254, at or near the distal end 257 of the bend 254 (shown in FIG. 2 ).The projection 880 can extend in a generally upward direction from theengagement surface 256, relative to the orientation shown in FIGS. 9 and11 . As shown, example aspects of the projection 880 can be formed as atruncated rectangular pyramid defining a top truncated surface 882. Thetop truncated surface 882 can extend about parallel to the engagementsurface 256. In other aspects, the top truncated surface 882 can beoriented at an angle relative to the engagement surface 256.Furthermore, in other aspects, the projection 880 can be formed asanother shape, such as, for example, a hemisphere, a non-truncatedrectangular pyramid, a truncated or non-truncated triangular pyramid, acube, or another other suitable shape.

With the first and second coupling segments 100 a,b aligned as describedabove with reference to the pipe coupling 110 of FIGS. 1-7 , the toptruncated surface 882 of the projection 880 of the first couplingsegment 100 a can abut the engagement surface 256 of the second couplingsegment 100 b. Similarly, the top truncated surface 882 of theprojection 880 of the second coupling segment 100 a can abut theengagement surface 256 of the first coupling segment 100 a. As such, asbest seen in FIG. 11 , the projections 880 of the first and secondcoupling segments 100 a,b can be axially aligned with one another. Theengagement of the projections 880 with the engagement surfaces 264 canserve to properly locate the first coupling segment 100 a relative tothe second coupling segment 100 b. Further, the projections caninterfere with one another to prohibit lateral movement of the firstcoupling segment 100 a relative to the second coupling segment 100 b inthe direction Y′, opposite the direction Y.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another aspect of the coupling segment 100 andanother aspect of the pipe coupling 110, in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The pipe coupling 110 again can be formed by a pair of thecoupling segments 100 a,b. The coupling segment 100 can be similar tothe coupling segment 100 of FIGS. 1-7 and coupling segment 100 of FIGS.8-11 . As shown in FIGS. 9-12 , the engagement surface 256 of thecoupling segment 100 can define a ramped engagement surface 1256,defining an incline from the shank 252 to the distal end 257 of the bend254. As such, a height of the bend 254 can be increase from the shank252 to the distal end 257. With the first and second coupling segments100 a,b aligned as described above with reference to the pipe coupling110 of FIGS. 1-7 , the ramped engagement surface 1256 of the firstcoupling segment 100 a can abut the ramped engagement surface 1256 ofthe second coupling segment 100 b, such that the ramped engagementsurfaces 1256 are oriented parallel to one another. In example aspects,interference between the ramped engagement surfaces 1256 can aid inpreventing lateral movement of the first coupling segment 100 a relativeto the second coupling segment 100 b in the direction Y′.

FIGS. 15 illustrates another aspect of the coupling segment 100. Asshown, similar to the aspect of FIGS. 1-4 , the coupling segment 100 candefine a contact surface 350 located at the first end 235 a of thecentral portion 234 proximate to the hook 250. Example aspects of thecontact surface 350 can define a substantially smooth, planar surface.Furthermore, the present aspect can define a stabilizer 1502 extendingbetween the first end 235 a of the central portion and the bend 254, asshown, to provide support to the hook 250 when stresses are applied inthe tightened configuration, as will be described in further detailbelow.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate another example aspect of the pipe coupling110 comprising a pair of the coupling segments 100 a,b of FIG. 15 . Theengagement surfaces 256 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the hooks 250 can be infacing contact, as shown. Similar to the coupling segments 100 a,b ofFIGS. 12-14 , each of the present coupling segments 100 a,b can define aramped engagement surface 1256 (shown in FIG. 12 ), defining an inclinefrom the shank 252 to the distal end 257 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the bend254. In example aspects, interference between the ramped engagementsurfaces 1256 can aid in preventing lateral movement of the firstcoupling segment 100 a relative to the second coupling segment 100 b inthe direction Y′ (shown in FIG. 14 ). Furthermore, the gasket 122 can bereceived between the coupling segments 100 a,b, and can bias thecoupling segments 100 a,b apart in the relaxed configuration. Biasingthe coupling segments 100 a,b apart can apply a pre-load tension to thehooks 250 by pressing the opposing ramped engagement surfaces 1256against each other.

The fastener 124 can be tightened to compress the gasket 122 and toorient the pipe coupling 110 in the tightened configuration. In thetightened configuration, the contact surfaces 350 (shown in FIG. 15 )can be pressed into one another to reduce the stress in the adjacenthooks 250. Furthermore, the stabilizers 1502 can be configured to bear aportion of the stress in the hooks 250 to reduce the stress invulnerable areas (e.g., thinner areas) of the hooks 250 when thecoupling 110 is in the tightened configuration.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A pipe coupling segment comprising: anarcuate body portion defining a first end, a second end opposite thefirst end, a first axial side, and a second axial side opposite thefirst axial side; a hook extending from the first end of the arcuatebody portion, wherein the hook defines a shank portion and a bendportion, the shank portion extending in a substantially radially outwarddirection from the arcuate body portion and the bend portion extendingin a substantially axial direction from the shank portion, the bendportion defining an upper engagement surface, the upper engagementsurface defining a sloped portion angled rearwardly towards the shankportion; and a fastener lug extending from the second end of the arcuatebody portion.
 2. The pipe coupling segment of claim 1, wherein the bendportion defines a connected end connected to the shank portion and adistal free end opposite the connected end, and wherein the slopedportion is formed at the distal free end and extends towards theconnected end.
 3. The pipe coupling segment of claim 2, wherein thesloped portion of the upper engagement surface is substantially planar.4. The pipe coupling segment of claim 2, wherein a thickness of the bendtapers from the distal free end towards the connected end.
 5. The pipecoupling segment of claim 2, wherein the shank portion of the hookextends from the first end of the arcuate body portion adjacent to thefirst axial side, the bend portion extends from the shank portion in adirection towards the second axial side, and the sloped portion of theupper engagement surface is angled towards the first axial side.
 6. Thepipe coupling segment of claim 5, wherein the shank portion defines aninner surface intersecting the upper engagement surface, the innersurface facing in the direction of the second axial side, the slopedportion of the upper engagement surface disposed at an acute anglerelative to the inner surface of the shank portion.
 7. The pipe couplingsegment of claim 6, further comprising a reinforcement ribmonolithically formed with the hook, the reinforcement rib extending atleast partially along the inner surface of the shank portion between thefirst end of the arcuate body portion and the bend portion.
 8. The pipecoupling segment of claim 7, wherein the reinforcement rib defines asloped upper surface intersecting the upper engagement surface, andwherein a thickness of the reinforcement rib tapers from the arcuatebody portion to the bend portion of the hook.
 9. The pipe couplingsegment of claim 5, wherein the distal free end of the bend portion isoriented axially between the shank portion and the second axial side ofthe arcuate body portion.
 10. The pipe coupling segment of claim 1,wherein the bend portion of the hook is oriented substantiallyorthogonal to the shank portion.
 11. A pipe coupling segment comprising:an arcuate body portion defining a first end, a second end opposite thefirst end, a first axial side, and a second axial side opposite thefirst axial side; a hook extending from the first end of the arcuatebody portion, wherein the hook defines a shank portion and a bendportion, the shank portion extending in a substantially radially outwarddirection from the arcuate body portion and the bend portion extendingin a substantially axial direction from the shank portion; a stabilizerrib extending in a substantially radially outward direction from thefirst end, the stabilizer rib formed monolithically with a bottom sideof the hook and configured to support the hook under stress, wherein thebend portion of the hook is disposed radially outward of the stabilizerrib; and a fastener lug extending from the second end of the arcuatebody portion.
 12. The pipe coupling segment of claim 11, wherein thestabilizer rib extends from the first end at an axial body center of thearcuate body portion, the axial body center defined substantially midwaybetween the first axial side and the second axial side.
 13. The pipecoupling segment of claim 12, wherein the stabilizer rib extends to anaxial bend center of the bend portion, the axial bend center definedsubstantially midway between a connected end of the bend portionconnected to the shank portion and a distal free end of the bendportion, the stabilizer rib and the bend portion together substantiallydefining a T-shape.
 14. The pipe coupling segment of claim 13, wherein athickness of the stabilizer rib increases from the first end of thearcuate body portion to the bend portion.
 15. The pipe coupling segmentof claim 11, wherein a bottom rib surface of the stabilizer rib extendsdownwardly from the first end of the arcuate body portion.
 16. The pipecoupling segment of claim 11, wherein the shank portion of the hookextends from the first end of the arcuate body portion adjacent to thefirst axial side, and wherein the bend portion extends from the shankportion in a direction towards the second axial side.
 17. The pipecoupling segment of claim 16, wherein the stabilizer rib is orientedsubstantially orthogonal to the bend portion of the hook andsubstantially parallel to the shank portion of the hook.
 18. The pipecoupling segment of claim 17, wherein the stabilizer rib extends alongand is monolithically joined with an inner surface of the shank portion.19. The pipe coupling segment of claim 11, wherein the bend portiondefines an upper engagement surface opposite the bottom side of thehook, wherein the upper engagement surface is a planar engagementsurface.
 20. The pipe coupling segment of claim 19, wherein: the arcuatebody portion defines a center axis extending in a direction from thefirst axial side to the second axial side; and the upper engagementsurface is substantially co-planar with the center axis.